During March UBCO will host a variety of informative events and activities aimed at improving the quality of life among older adults in the community.
More than 13 years ago, health researchers at UBC Okanagan came up with a plan to help people age well.
Since then, the campus has joined the Age-Friendly University Global Network and has established an Aging In Place Research Cluster. And now, UBCO is set for a month of activities to support its annual Embrace Aging Month, which begins March 1.
UBC Okanagan has always been an engaging and inclusive campus, says Dr. Eric Li, Professor in the Faculty of Management and Interim Director of the Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention.
“Aging is a natural part of life and is something we should all aim to do in a healthy way,” says Dr. Li. “But our bodies and our minds are complex. Embrace Aging Month helps people enjoy the journey and live every day to its fullest.”
Embrace Aging Month is organized by the Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention in partnership with Interior Health. The month includes a series of events to celebrate and raise awareness about positive aging in the Okanagan Valley. The sessions are for people of all ages and focus on a variety of topics related to healthy aging and ways to enhance the quality of life among older adults.
“Our population is aging at an unprecedented rate, and by 2050 it’s expected there will be more than two billion people over the age of 60 across the globe. We need to keep this population healthy and independent for as long as possible,” says Dr. Li.
During the month, in-person events include the Memory Café on March 2, sessions and activities on hearing loss, estate planning, fraud prevention, weekly walks, bridge or line dancing lessons, and opportunities to try e-biking or Tai Chi. Webinars cover vaccines, fall and injury prevention and cooking.
Service Canada and Revenue Canada are running sessions on the Canadian Dental Plan, the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and benefits for people with disabilities.
Embrace Aging Month includes many events that share information and help improve the quality of life among older adults, their families and caregivers, says Dr. Li.
“March brings into focus the importance of supporting older adults in our communities,” he adds. “We’re providing a month full of events and activities with helpful information and the latest research that is relevant to anyone at any age.”
For a full list of activities and registration links, visit: www.okanaganembraceaging.com
